Venting is good for the soul. I don’t feel like I’ve had the chance to vent for way too long so I’m going to make up for that now. All of my ramblings should come with a disclaimer like “the written remarks are mine and my opinion and don’t take it personal unless the shoe fits, and if the shoe does in fact fits, now you know.”
I think part of my need to vent is my lack of a release mechanism. I’m a guitar player. I enjoy being creative, especially with others. Since my last gig (Dec 2010 with Chris Heers in Las Vegas), I have not played a show or been all that creative and I don’t like it. I’ve written several songs and I keep a couple guitars close by at the house when inspiration strikes but it’s still not enough. I did open my main pedal board looking for a cord and the immediate smell of cigarette smoke poured out of it like it was exhaling so I closed it back up again attempting to keep some Las Vegas still in it. I’m not going to blame it entirely on Minot, but it’s defiantly not Las Vegas. It’s almost 100% my day job. I will admit that I was getting spoiled living in Las Vegas. Before I left I was gigging 3 to 4 nights a week and I miss the hell out of it and all of my amazing friends there.
I could vent about my day job (the AF) for hours but I’ll only say this about it: We got an “Excellent” last month during our Nuclear inspection. In my opinion, the only thing we got an “Excellent” for was for maintaining and doing the same stuff we’ve been doing since I first did this job in 1994 and probably since the first pile of dirt was scooped in 1964. I was told when I was a new Airman Basic (E-1) that if you stay in long enough and get enough rank, things can be fixed and changed. Now as a Master Sergeant (E-7), ironically the same rank the guy who told me that was way back when, I find that positive change to make things better is about the last thing on the “higher-ups” mind. I always think its funny when they send the 4-star general commander of the AF to go to Capitol Hill to talk about how the enlisted people are doing. The base pay for an O-10 is $17,451 per month, not including housing allowance and bonus pay. They have no idea.
Politics. I really hate politics. Be it in the workplace, TV, Facebook or National stage – I hate politics. We have lost the ability to have a civil discourse on anything. The ultra left & rights have over powered the middle. You can’t agree or disagree anymore without being vilified. You’re opinion doesn’t matter because you don’t agree with the other side. It’s gotten to the point where the actual person is attacked verses their opinion or position on something. I have news for the coastal states: You’re not the only two parts of the country with a voice. I’m from the Midwest. That being said, I’m not some ultra right wing person solely because of where I’m from. A lot of my “Facebook Friends” are musicians and very liberal or ultra left wing. For some reason a lot of them think it’s hip and acceptable to hate on republicans. I can tell you that I grew up republican, I’m currently a registered Independent and I feel free to make up my mind either way on a topic. But the polarizing way some people are is ridiculous. For example, if you’re a republican, you’re anti-women’s rights, anti-gays, anti-poor people, pro war; you’re obviously a fan of oil companies, big money and Wall Street. You’re crazy, Christian, sexiest, racists, homophobic, anti-freedom, fill in the blank. That is the stupidest shit I have ever heard. Most people I know are quite the opposite. The large majority of the military is republican. I actually had someone write on my Facebook wall that I was part of the problem being in the military and that I was “a Bush loving baby killer… it’s all Halliburton’s fault.” Needless to say, they’re not on my page anymore. It’s the “in” thing to be democrat. It’s what the media loves. I know and respect a lot of democrats just like I do republicans and everyone else. I’m not some ultra religious bible thumper either, but I believe in freedom of religion and hate when people give others a hard time that are in to it. Political correctness goes out of the way for every crazy tree worshiping, moon gazing, bead wearing, chanting, praying to the east, west, north, south religion there is except for people who are Christians and that’s not right. There are plenty crazy people on all sides to go around.
If it was popular to be in the military, then more than 1% of the entire United States population would be in the military or commit to some type of public service. I’m beyond tired of people bitchin’ about my country and saying how evil it is. Not around me they don’t. Newsflash: I’m anti-war. Everyone in the military is. Do you really think we put our lives on the line just because we love to shoot at people and get shot at? I’m pro America. If you mess with our country, prepare to have your ass stomped and I’ll be glad to do it. But that doesn’t mean we go looking for it. I’ll gladly do anything I can to protect the freedoms for you to agree, disagree, make up your own mind, come and go as you please, live how you want to without the fear that the government is going to drag you away. For that I say – you’re welcome. I’m wicked tired of hearing politicians call the military “America’s Treasure” and shit like that. Don’t use the military for a political rally when you could care less about really looking after us. Quit using the military for social experiments. We don’t want a parade or a plaque on the wall. I get thanked on the 1st and 15th on pay day. Look out for the veterans. Offer a vet a job. That’s how you can thank the military. Stop trying to cut what little benefits we do get while a 1 term congressmen is set for life. Be smart people – learn the facts about a topic. I have my opinions about who should be the next President. I’m sure some of you would agree and a lot of you would disagree. That doesn’t make me or you any less of a person. Civil discourse. I’m sure about half of my “Facebook Friends” will/would hit the delete/block button if they ever read any of this.
I feel like I’m wearing a fat suit and I don’t like it. I need to fix that and I hope to soon. I really want to fix it because I want to, not because the AF says I have to look like a clone of everyone else. My individuality has defiantly not been a big help to my military career but I define me by who I am, not what I do for a living. I do need to live healthier but I don’t like it. Part of the problem is food just taste so damn good.
I have a good chiropractor who is getting me aligned properly. Who knew you don’t have to be in pain all the time?! I’m a little peeved that the military doesn’t pay for it, but oh well. It’s worth it.
And finally some parting shots about some things that irk the hell out of me:
1. People at work: You’re not a first responder. You don’t have to be “nose out” and back into a parking spot. If you can’t back up straight and even into a space, knock it off. Impossible to park when all these jack asses are taking up two or three spots. Enough already.
2. 4-way stops. They’re not that confusing. This isn’t something new. When you’re the first to pull up, stop then go. Don’t sit and look at everyone else. When you do that, I will run you over.
3. Order the food for your kids at the fast food joint. I don’t think it’s cute and neither does anyone else who’s waiting. They want chicken strips. Get it to go.
4. Save those memorable first steps for the house or grandma’s house. Not in the parking lot at Target. I don’t think it’s cute when mom and dad are holding tiny little hands trying to walk across the parking lot and into the store when I’m trying to park. Knock it off.
5. Your baby is not a purse. Have you noticed it’s 20 degrees outside? Why are you all bundled up and your bare headed bald baby is just bouncing off your arm? Get a clue or give the baby to somebody who will take care of it.
